Five takeaways from Southampton’s late 2-1 defeat at Wrexham | OneFootball

Southampton fell to a late 2-1 defeat at Wrexham despite long spells of control, heading into a three-week international break on a flat note.

According to Sainstmarching.com, Tonda Eckert stuck with the XI that beat Bristol City a week earlier and Saints dominated possession, producing an xG of 2.08 but missing three big chances. Wrexham led through Kieffer Moore’s header, James Ward-Prowse levelled after the break, then a late counter ended with Keven Schlotterbeck turning an interception into his own net to hand the hosts victory.

Away form remains a concern. Southampton are winless on the road in the league, with two draws and two defeats from four trips, while they have been unbeaten at St Mary’s since January. Perhaps the post-Spygate reception is playing a part, or they simply need to defend their duels better.

Familiar defensive leaks resurfaced. Moore’s opener was made too easy, a free header into the top corner, and a later cross was not dealt with by Daniel Peretz nor Schlotterbeck, ending in the net. Chance creation was solid, but the volume conceded is undermining it.

Eckert’s use of substitutes also raised questions. Sam Edozie was an enforced half-time change, Tom Fellows replaced Kuryu Matsuki like for like, then Divin Mubama and Lewis Dobbin were late introductions to chase a goal. It could suggest the new forwards are not yet up to speed, time will tell.

Ward-Prowse provided a rare positive, rifling his first goal since returning and celebrating with his familiar golf swing in front of the away end. His leveller at 1-1 offered a platform, but Saints could not find a winner.

The Spygate saga should move towards resolution in the coming weeks. Southampton’s trip to Wrexham was likely the last before a potential ban decision for Eckert, with the FA to make a final call in the days ahead. He has recovered well this season despite a minus-four Championship setback, and next up is a south coast derby at Portsmouth.

Source: Sainstmarching.com

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